Couple indicted for sexual abuse of a minor

HAZARD — Two people arrested last month on allegations that they took part in the sexual abuse of a child were formally indicted by the grand jury this month, moving their cases to Perry Circuit Court for prosecution.

According to the indictment returned on Friday, 37-year-old Susan K. Jamison and 20-year-old Thomas E. Colwell, both of Laurel Street in Hazard, either personally or by complicity subjected a female under the age of 12 to forcible sexual contact. The act was alleged to have taken place between May 1 and August 18 of this year.

The child gave a statement to officials with the Kentucky River Children’s Advocacy Center implicating both Jamison and Colwell, according to the original arrest citation filed by officer Zach Miller with the Hazard Police Department.

Jamison and Colwell are officially charged with first-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony that carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. Bail for both defendants was set at $50,000, and they are due in court Nov. 8 for arraignment.